At the Trough Rd 11
AFL – News, Reviews, Injuries and Tactics are all discussed “At the Trough” with Schitty.
Flawed Genius.
Australian Rules Football is not a game for the faint hearted. The demands on those who play at the highest level are extreme. The pressure is immense. The crowds come in the tens of thousands to watch these artisans ply their trade and the spectacle rarely disappoints.
Every now and then a player comes along who is “one out of the bag”, a naturally gifted athlete who was born to play our game and who was built to excel at it. These players are special for any number of reasons, blistering pace, strength, skill, they are everything we wish we could be. Because of their prowess they are idolized, worshipped by the masses. In the eyes of many they can do no wrong or at the least, get a pass on their behavior.
An unfortunate side effect of becoming an icon that lives by a different set of standards than the rest of society is the hyper ego that can accompany it. A feeling of invincibility “10 foot tall and bulletproof”. Sure plenty of our greats have been humble and that is why they have been raised even higher, our modest champions. However the narcissism that is required, the self confidence and belief that is tantamount to success at this level is fed and fuelled through a dozen different channels until the players at the centre no longer remember who they are.
Let’s be honest for a moment, some people are just wankers. Plain and simple, not everyone you meet in life is going to be a good person. Some AFL footballers are wankers. Not because they are footballers, not because they get caught up in their own importance, just because they were born that way. Take a bloke who was born a jerk, put him at the top of any profession, let alone one with millions of fans, and the vile chemistry of arrogance and self righteousness coupled with the gratification of adoration, regardless of behavioral nuances, creates a monster, one that cannot be contained.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be looking at some individual cases where the subjects had the world at their feet and for one reason or another it just wasn’t enough.
Hall of Famers.
This week we saw the next round of inductees into the AFL hall of fame. It is always an exciting time of year when our champions are acknowledged for their contributions to the sport and their deeds are given the honor they deserve.
I’ll only speak briefly about Horrie Gorringe as he was a bit before my time. Born on the 4th of July in Tasmania in 1895 Horrie Gorringe would go on to become one of Tasmiania’s greatest footballers. Regarded as one of the great Rovers, Gorringe played for Cananore in the TFL for 17 years. He represented Tasmania numerous times and from 2002-2005 the Horrie Gorringe medal was awared to the best and fairest player in Tasmania. Horrie passed away in Cygnet in Tasmania on the 17th July 1994. He was 99.
The other four inductees this year hold a specific significance for me as they are all modern day champions. These players were the elite of the game for such a large proportion of my years in and around the game. Modern day legends.
Nathan Buckley announced himself to the football world when as a 19 year old he took all before him to win the Magarey Medal for the best and fairest player in the SANFL. He also won the Port Adelaide best and fairest and was awarded the Jack Oatey medal for best on ground in the grand final (his only senior premiership). He was picked up by the Brisbane Bears through the state zoning system and played 20 games for the Bears in 1993. His form was good enough to see him take out the inaugural Rising Star award from a host of future stars including Hird, Ricciuto, Misiti, Everitt, Crawford, West, Neitz, Richardson, Fletcher, Archer, Sav Rocca, Mercuri and Colbert. He also finished second in the Bears best and fairest. Collingwood wanted the man so bad they gave Brisbane the option of any 2 players from their list (except for 10 “untouchables”) and a first round draft selection. Bucks would go on to play 260 games for the Pies, a club record 161 of them as captain. Buckley won the Brownlow in 2003 as well as finishing top 3 in 1997 and 1999 and top 5 in 1996 and 2000. He won the Norm Smith medal in 2002 in a losing side. Seven times and All Australian. 6 Copeland Trophies as best and fairest of Collingwood and a member of Collingwood’s team of the century. He will take over from Mick Malthouse as the coach of Collingwood for the 2012 season.
James Hird’s record as a footballer stands up against any other from any era. One can only imagine the records he might have set had he not missed the better part of three seasons when at his peak to navicular fractures. Taken pick 79 in the 1990 draft Hird was almost delisted at the end of 1991 as injury prevented him making an impact but Sheedy saw something special. Hird was an integral part of the “Baby Bombers” premiership side in 1993. In 1994 he won the first of his five club best and fairests, the first three being consecutive in 94, 95 and 96. In 1996 he shared the Brownlow with Michael Voss. Injury threatened to end Hirds career as he only managed 20 games over the next three seasons. In 2000 Hird captained the all conquering Bombers to another premiership only losing one match along the way. Hird was awarded the Norm Smith medal for his efforts in the Grand Final. In 2003 Hird won his fourth B & F despite missing 8 games to injury and remarkably only finished 3 votes away from a second Brownlow. Hird won his fifth best and fairest in his final year at age 34 capping off a remarkable playing career, He kicked 343 goals in his 253 game career. He was a five time All Australian, club captain for 8 seasons and has won 4 ANZAC day medals. Hird is the current coach of the Essendon football club and his results so far have been very promising.
Mark Ricciuto was renowned for his uncompromising style of play and the great man took no prisoners. He was picked up by the Adelaide Crows as a 16 year old in 1992. “Roo” made an immediate impact. In 1994 Ricciuto was selected as an All Australian for the first time as a 19 year old. He would go on to achieve this honour a further 7 times to be equal with Robert Harvey as the most selected player in the AFL era. He was also named AA captain on 2 occasions. Roo missed the 1997 Crows premiership through injury but made the most of 1998 when he won the club best and fairest to go along with his premiership medal. Roo won the Brownlow in 2003 and finished second in the same award in 2004. In 2006 Ricciuto played his 300th game becoming the fastest player in history to achieve the milestone. The three time club best and fairest was the Adelaide captain for 7 seasons and finished his career with 312 games and 292 goals. He topped the club goal kicking in 2006 and represented SA five times at Origin level. Roo currently works in a commentary role for Fox Sports but if the other inductees post playing careers are anything to go by we could see him in the coaches box very soon.
Michael Voss is the best footballer I can remember seeing play. He was ferocious. He was sublime. He was complete. Vossy made his debut as a 16 year old, the youngest player ever to play for the Bears and went on to play 289 games over a 15 year stretch before injury ended his career. Voss shared the Brownlow with James Hird in 1996 and on the strength of that was awarded the captaincy of the newly merged Brisbane Lions for the 1997 season. His leadership would be his greatest legacy, widely regarded as the best captain in football Voss would go on to lead the Lions for 10 years and become a triple Premiership captain along the way. Voss was 5 times an All Australian and was named captain in 2002 and 2003. He won three club best and fairest awards, a remarkable feat in itself considering the wealth of talent at the Lions for the majority of his career. In 2002-03 Voss won back to back Leigh Matthews awards for the AFLPA most valuable player. Voss is currently coaching the Lions with mixed success but from the journey so far Legend Status can’t be far away.
I’ll Rant and Rave!
Paul Roos is a brilliant coach, was a phenomenal player and has an understanding of the game that few could hope to emulate but the great man frustrates the shit out of me with his desire to be on everyones side. In his role “On the Couch” Roos’s insight is amazing. A look into the game from one of footballs best minds but he can’t give an opinion without first having a little love in with the subject. Every time he discusses a player he starts with the obligatory pre-amble “I really respect him as a player” or “I really rate the way he goes about it” and then follows it up with a spray. We want your opinion but we don’t need the love. Lay the boot in Roosy.
Racism has no place in society and as such has no place in football. We all know it goes on but in any public forum it cannot be tolerated. The fuckwits that feel the need to go to the footy and give someone a spray based on their racial background really need to be ostracized from the football world. Named and shamed and then put in a dimly lit room and allow the subject of their taunts 10 minutes alone with them. I doubt they’d be so brazen then.
In the Box.
Chris Scott: Has equaled the record for the most consecutive wins for a first year coach and unless the Hawks can pull one out of the bag will take that mantle on his own this week. Ottens form forward of centre has eased the pressure to pick Hawkins which is a bonus.
Mick Malthouse:Just getting it done. Sent a handful of players to Arizona for altitude training and rehab mid season which shows the confidence in his list and the knowledge that they will be right there again this year. Has indicated he could play up to 3 debutants this week.
Alistair Clarkson: Got out of jail last week and would be stoked with the spirit shown to come from behind. Showing a few signs that their structure depends to heavily on Franklin and desperately needs a plan B incase Buddy goes down.
Brett Ratten: Still improving. His confidence in Walker has been rewarded with Andrew kicking 6 on the weekend. Brings Kruezer back in this week and should have no trouble accounting for the Lions. Yarran and Scotland have been massive in a distributing role of half back. Gibbs’ form would be his only concern.
John Longmire:Had a massive win last week and will be happy with the improvement. LRT forward was a revelation. Still needs to find some more consistency and has a good chance to consolidate this week against the Tigers at the SCG. Grundy must go to Reiwoldt in a crucial match up.
John Worsfold: Would be a bit annoyed that they couldn’t put the Suns away last week considering the start they had. Should dominate the Crows this week given their form and the influence of Cox. Has developed a very strong forward structure with the ability to kick big scores.
James Hird:Has recalled his skipper from injury and it will be interesting to see if he is ready to go. Made the hard call and dropped Bellchambers who, given the form of Ryder, was a bit stiff. That decision will be reversed if Ryder can’t find form this week.
Mark Harvey: Still in the eight despite recent form. If they can hold on until Sandilands returns then they will be a big tilt at the eight this year. Top four is past them now so consolidation in required. Pavlich has been down and Harvey needs more from the skipper. A massive test this week against the Bombers.
Dean Bailey:Didn’t the big fella let all and sundry know how happy he was after last weeks win. A stirring effort from the Dees but the model needs consistency and that is what Bailey has struggled to get from his charges. Only a game out of the eight so there is still plenty of upside for the Dees.
Damien Hardwick: Coming off the bye the Tigers will have had time to assess the situation and will come out all guns blazing this week. The smaller SCG is likely to cramp their running style and they’ll need a big impact from Cotchin and Co at the contest to give Reiwoldt the opportunity to kick a score.
Ross Lyon: They should continue their form this week against the Dogs who are struggling. An increased output from Goddard and Dal Santo has seen a momentum shift through the side and with Reiwoldt contributing they can’t be underestimated.
Rodney Eade: There is not much left that Rocket can do for the Dogs. The time has come for the playing group to stand up and get the job done. I get the feeling that they have all put the cue in the rack this year.
Neil Craig: Were demolished by the Roos early last week and did well to stay with them. They have a real issue with accountability in the midfield with individual opposition players racking up 13, 17 and 19 clearances against them in the last five weeks.
Brad Scott: Another solid win last week on the back of a brilliant performance from Swallow. Would like to see the load shared a bit more in an effort to generate some more consistency. Petrie is a lone hand up forward and Scott needs to drop Thomas until he remembers how to kick.
Michael Voss: Hall of Fame during the week but that wont help the Lions who have now lost Merritt for 10 weeks with back fractures. Most probably caused by carrying the rest of his team for 10 rounds. The task doesn’t get any easier taking on Carlton at Etihad this week.
Matthew Primus: Has the bye this week and could do worse than giving the group 10 days off to see if anyone can remember why they play football. Was good against the Blues for 3 quarters last week but shit the bed in the last.
Guy McKenna: Saw some great signs in his group last week to fight back from an early 7 goal margin to get within 20 against quality opposition. A real chance for points this week against the Roos at Metricon. Must play Swallow on his older brother to teach the kid a few tricks.
The Drum…
Callan ward is on the verge of signing a five year contract with the GWS Giants. Although he has indicated he would love to stay at the kennel it is a bit much to ask of the kid to sacrifice $400,000 a year.
Brian Lake’s heinous form is earning him the ire of the football department at the Western Bulldogs and even though he has two years remaining on his contract the big man could be up for trade at the end of the year. Several Melbourne clubs have expressed interest in the All Australian Fullback with Hawthorn shaping as a possible home next year.
Harely Bennell, last years number 2 draft pick is struggling to cope with life away from home and has indicated to the coaching staff that he wants to return to Western Australia at seasons end.
Who are we in the Red, White and Blue…
Many moons ago I used to occasionally don the boots for the Girral West Wyalong Bulldogs. Because I am allowed to do whatever I want I’ve decided that we’ll follow their season as they battle for the Northern Riverina League Premiership…
On a cold and wet day at the West Wyalong Rec ground the Bulldogs took on premiership fancies Barellan and with a wealth of talent on the sideline injured it would prove to be a tough day at the office. The lads fought hard to be in the match at half time but a sloppy third term saw the game fall out of their grasp. Barellan went on to win by 8 goals. Jimmy Davis was a standout for the Dogs on a disappointing day.
Hi – Five:
5: Cyril Rioli – In the absence of Buddy, someone needed to step up and Cyril did that. He had 11 score involvements from his 14 touches and finished with 5 goals. I can’t recal a player who gets more accomplished with less of the seed than Junior.
4: Jordie McKenzie – In a game where Melbourne need to stand up and put their bodies on the line no one went harder than Jordie McKenzie. 28 touches with 16 of them contested he also had 13 tackles and 7 clearances to show the way for the Dees.
3: Jude Bolton – At 31 Jude is having the best season of his career. Another stellar game on the weekend saw him collect 35 touches, 20 contested. 8 more tackles see him leading the league in this category with 83 and 7 telling clearances. When he’s on the Swans are a force.
2: Dean Cox – Another renaissance man, Cox is in career best form. The big guy has to be in Brownlow contention right now. 26 possessions with 18 contested. 9 marks, 5 of them contested. 7 clearances, 4 tackles and 2 goals. The big man also had 28 hitouts with 30 % of those being to advantage.
1: Andrew Swallow – Could have just about sewn this spot up on the strength of his first quarter alone. Had 17 touches, 13 contested and 9 clearances, throw in 3 tackles and a goal and you could probably hang the boots up a quarter time confident you’d done your bit. Swallow went on to amass 39 touches with 27 of them contested, an incredible 17 clearances, 5 tackles and 2 goals. He also won 7 free kicks which is further indication that he was first to the seed all day. One of the all time great individual performances.
Thanks to Mark Nolan/Getty Images AsiaPac for use of the photo
